That’s the only warning I have before a body is pressed behind mine, turning me towards him.
Keaton cups the side of my face, kissing me hard and long. I don’t deny him access as his tongue slips into my mouth. He needs this, and I’m going to let him have it. Let him take what he needs.
He pulls back, leaning his forehead against mine. He’s sweaty, but I don’t care. In this moment, the world around me falls away.
“I’m so proud of you, Keat.”
His eyes beam at my words. “Yeah? I heard you screaming my name. Cheering for me. It fueled me to know you were counting on me.”
“I knew you could do it, with or without me.”
“With you is better though. You’re my good luck charm. Wearing my lucky number. I can’t ever lose with you by my side.”
Someone calls his name, but he ignores them, staring into my eyes.
“I think you are needed for your celebration interviews.”
“Fuck them. I’m right where I want to be.”
I blush at his words and let out a quick laugh. “Get it over with. I’ll wait for you.”
“I love you.”
I blush. “I love you too.”
He captures my lips once more. “Meet me by the locker room in twenty. I’ll take a quick shower; then we can go.”
???
Twenty minutes turns into forty-five, but I don’t mind. I watch as he’s interviewed by at least three different journalists. Then takes the team picture with the trophy.
He must have taken the quickest shower ever, because five minutes after he went into the locker room, he comes out with wet hair and clean clothes. He switched his jersey out with another one not covered in sweat and a pair of dark jeans.
The minute he sees me, he picks me up and throws me over his shoulder, running to the parking lot like a lunatic. I can’t help the laughter from his antics.
When we get settled into his car, I turn to him. “What has gotten into you tonight?”
“What?” He glances over at me.
“You’re different.”
He shrugs. “I’m happy. My best friend, the girl I love, loves me. Everyone who matters came to the game to watch me play. I’m just happy. Aren’t you?”
“I’m happy if you’re happy.”
“Great. We are both happy.” He squeezes my hand. “Happy and in love.” He winks, making me laugh. He turns up the radio, singing along to whatever song plays.
One thing is for sure, life will never be dull with Keaton Yates.
???
Epilogue-two
Tinsley
August
Islip into a white sundress and walk over to my mirror, checking my reflection, critical of what I see.